Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, passed away at age 70 in Los Angeles after a brief illness. Explore his life, their complex relationship, and heartfelt reactions.
Ronald Fenty, Rihanna’s Father, Dies at 70: Honoring His Life & Legacy
Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, died at age 70 in Los Angeles after a brief illness, surrounded by close family members. While the official cause of death has not been disclosed, reports indicate that he passed away on May 31, 2025, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where Rihanna’s brother Rajad Fenty and other relatives were reportedly at his side in his final moments pagesix
Early Life and Family Background
Born in Barbados in the mid-1950s, Ronald Fenty and his first wife, Monica Braithwaite, welcomed Robyn Rihanna Fenty in February 1988 and later had their son Rorrey. After divorcing in 2002, Ronald went on to father three more children—Samantha, Kandy, and Jamie—from previous relationships. The Fenty family was raised in a modest home in Bridgetown, a bungalow on what is now known as Rihanna Drive, where Rihanna spent her formative years
A Complex Father-Daughter Relationship
Rihanna’s relationship with Ronald was marked by public tension as well as reconciliation. In 2009, following the assault incident with Chris Brown, Ronald spoke to media outlets about his daughter’s private life without her consent. Reflecting on that period in a later Vogue interview, Rihanna said, “You grow up with your father, you know him, you are a part of him, for goodness’ sakes! And then he does something so bizarre that I can’t begin to wrap my mind around it”
Despite this estrangement, the two reconciled for a time. In an Oprah Winfrey interview in 2016, Rihanna revealed that their bond had been “repaired,” though friction lingered. In 2019, Rihanna sued Ronald for using her name and likeness in launching a company called Fenty Entertainment. The lawsuit was withdrawn in early 2021, reportedly after mediation and renewed communication between them
Embracing Grandfatherhood
In interviews over the past few years, Ronald expressed pride in being a grandfather. After Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcomed their first son, RZA, in May 2022 and their second, Riot, in August 2023, Ronald frequently marveled at Rihanna’s protective maternal instincts. “He would talk about how much joy it brought him to watch Rihanna as a mother,” a family friend told Starcom Network. “He was excited about the arrival of every new chapter in her life” pagesix
Rihanna’s Third Pregnancy and Timing of Loss
The timing of Ronald’s passing comes amid significant personal change for Rihanna. In early May 2025, she confirmed her third pregnancy with A$AP Rocky, telling reporters at the Met Gala, “I brought the kid,” playfully hinting at twins. Fans have since speculated whether she might be expecting two, but official confirmation remains pending thesun.co.ukpagesix.com. The family loss is therefore especially poignant as Rihanna prepares to welcome a new child.
Social Media and Public Reactions
News of Ronald’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences across Twitter and Instagram. Below are a few representative reactions compiled by Legit.ng:
@mr__d.m.v: “Rest in paradise! Sending love and prayers.”
@mystic9977: “RIHANNA OH MY GOODNESS!! NOOOOOOO.”
@shermaine_watson_anderson: “May his soul rest in peace.”
@tracynorris785: “Rihanna, OMG, I am so sorry for your loss. This is devastating. Praying for you and your family. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.” legit.ng
Many fans also shared photos of Ronald’s early years and of him doting on his grandchildren. A TikTok video from ITV News shows brief clips of Cedars-Sinai as family members arrive at the hospital on May 28, indicating how close they were in his final days tiktok.com.
Video Tribute
A recent YouTube tribute, produced by Starcom Network, highlights interviews with childhood friends in Barbados and footage of Ronald attending Rihanna’s album launches and award ceremonies. You can watch it here:
Ronald Fenty, Father of Rihanna, Dies at 70 – Starcom Network Tribute youtube.com.
Legacy and Philanthropy
Though Ronald largely stayed out of the public eye until Rihanna’s rise to global stardom, he was known in Barbados for modest philanthropic efforts, quietly donating to local schools and sports programs. A former neighbor told The Economic Times, “Ronald never bragged about it, but he was always giving something back. He was proud of how far his daughter had gone and gave what he could whenever he could”
Conclusion
Ronald Fenty’s passing marks a moment of reflection for the Fenty family and Rihanna’s vast global fanbase. Despite all their public highs and lows, his role in shaping Rihanna’s early life remains undeniable. As Rihanna and A$AP Rocky prepare for their newest arrival, the family will undoubtedly honor Ronald’s memory in private—and through the continued impact of the Fenty legacy on music, fashion, and philanthropy.
